Cheika still keen to retain Elsom

LEINSTER coach Michael Cheika has not given up hope of keeping Rocky Elsom at Leinster for another 12 months even if, ironically enough, the iron man from Melbourne might feel there’s little point in staying now simply because it’s a case of mission accomplished.

The Australian Rugby Union want him back and despite what he said after Saturday’s game, Cheika faces a massive task in preventing that happening. Cheika brought him over and paid him a reported €400,000 for the 12-month contract, all with the idea of landing the team’s first Heineken Cup. His judgment was backed in spades by what he has done throughout the season but most especially in the three knockout matches against Harlequins, Munster and Leicester.

Wallabies officials are hoping he will re-sign with either NSW or Queensland after his duties with invitational side the Barbarians are completed in the next fortnight.